The bipartisan invitation to the leader of Israel is threatening to divide the Democrats.

The invitation of Netanyahu to speak on Capitol Hill is anything but a joyful occasion.

The bipartisan invitation to the leader of Israel is threatening to divide the Democrats.
The bipartisan invitation to the leader of Israel is threatening to divide the Democrats.

An invitation to speak to a Joint Meeting of Congress was extended to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by all four Congressional leaders.

Netanyahu accepted the invitation to speak before both Houses of Congress and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to present the truth about Israel's just war against those who seek to destroy us.

The decision to invite Netanyahu is anything but a joyful occasion on Capitol Hill.

While one party supports Netanyahu, another does not. In fact, Democrats who are against Netanyahu's speech accused House Speaker Mike Johnson of trying to divide them by inviting him.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has caused a rift among Democrats, with progressives and supporters of Israel at odds. This division could potentially split the Democratic coalition and negatively impact President Biden's chances of re-election if liberal voters choose to abstain from voting.

Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., one of the first Muslim women ever elected to Congress, stated that having Netanyahu come to Congress is probably one of the most disturbing things Congress can do.

""His crimes will soon be prosecuted by the ICC, and the international community is discussing his role in starving the population of Gaza. In my opinion, no leader should permit this to occur," said Omar."

Rep. Ilhan Omar
UNITED STATES - JUNE 15: Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., arrives to the U.S. Capitol for the last votes of the week on Thursday, June 15, 2023.  ((Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images))

The invitation was signed on by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

Jeffries responded to the consternation surrounding a Netanyahu address by stating that the divide over Israel is overstated and the Republicans have failed in their attempts to make it a partisan, political issue.

The Brooklyn Democrat explained how his caucus maintained unity to increase the debt ceiling, prevent government shutdowns, and support Ukraine.

In April, the House passed a bill to aid Israel with a vote of 366 to 58. However, 37 Democrats voted against it.

Unlike the majority party, Democrats have not attempted to remove two different Speakers from office during this Congress.

Jeffries tried to present a positive outlook of his party compared to the usual internal conflicts that hindered the majority.

Jeffries stated that the House Democratic Caucus side is filled with only puppies and rainbows, eliciting laughter from the Capitol press corps.

Democrats who disagree with Netanyahu or view him as a threat can easily hold press conferences, sit out the speech, and stage counterprotests. However, it's challenging to maintain a calm atmosphere when everything is not positive. House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., wants Congress to "bring the temperature down."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during the opening ceremony marking Israel's national Holocaust Remembrance Day at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, in Jerusalem May 5, 2024. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun (Reuters/ Ronen Zvulun)

Democratic leadership believes that all individuals who enter the House floor should show respect for the ongoing gathering, regardless of whether it is a vote or a speech.

Netanyahu has not spoken to Congress since the fall of 2015, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., believes that an appearance by Netanyahu would not lower the temperature.

"Ocasio-Cortez stated that she believes his speech and attendance are unproductive towards the U.S. goal of achieving a ceasefire, and that individuals who are not as focused or committed to this aim as the U.S. administration should not be rewarded."

Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill., stated that Ocasio-Cortez's remarks were incorrect when asked for his opinion on the matter.

So much for puppies and rainbows.

Schneider is Jewish and one of the most-ardent supporters of Israel in Congress.

Schneider stated that Israel is our most important ally in the Middle East and one of our best allies in the world. He emphasized the importance of all Members of Congress, including Democrats and Republicans, hearing what the Prime Minister has to say. Although he disagrees with specific aspects of Prime Minister Netanyahu's politics and policies, Schneider has been open about his views. However, he reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the US-Israel relationship.

Schneider stated that "too many Congress members will shut themselves off to various issues due to Ocasio-Cortez's remarks."

Schneider cited the April roll call vote to send assistance to Israel.

"Schneider stated, "They were incorrect in their vote. Although I believe they vote based on their conscience, I respect their decision. I will continue to attempt to convince them of my perspective, as I believe it was a poor choice. I hope that in the future, I can successfully argue against their decision.""

AOC
(Tom Williams/Getty Images)

Perhaps this fall when Congress tries to fund the government, President Biden is entering his second term or former President Trump is entering his second term.

The Middle East poses a significant challenge for Democrats, and the divide on this issue is so great that it could prevent them from winning the House and re-electing President Biden.

If Democrats fail to flip the House after the performance of Republicans over the past two years, they risk a deeper schism and a possible repeat of former President Trump. If they stumble at the polls this fall, they will tear at each other like limbs from a ragdoll.

If Republicans succeed this fall, the Democrats' time in power will be remembered as a period of "puppies and rainbows" compared to the challenges ahead.

by Chad Pergram

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